Durham Caribbean Festival – June 22, 2013

This weekend marks the official start of summer, so what better way to celebrate than with a Caribbean festival! Just a short ride east of the city, the Durham Caribbean Festival will take place this Saturday, June 22 at Greenwood Conservation Area in Ajax.

According to festival organizer and founder, Patrice Barnes, this event is a “community affair” – meant to showcase the culture of the Caribbean to another audience. For some,, The Durham Caribbean Festival will awaken memories of “back home”; while for others it will be about getting to know more about their neighbors and friends; and for all it will be about sharing in the ‘Caribbean Vibe’ with a nice weekend lime.

The days festivities will feature live music, Caribbean food and arts and crafts divided into zones throughout the park. The main stage will be hosted by G98.7 late night DJ, Kerry Lee Crawford, with performances by Korrexion, Toya Diamond, Skibu and Clayton C – backed by the House of David Gang reggae band.

There will also be a hip-hop artist showcase, organized by Chris Jackson, with musicians Perfeck Strangers, Gee Wunder, Suppa Natty and Great Minds performing. For art lovers, work from Ajax’s Cultural Expressions Art Gallery located in Pickering Village, will also be on display. For the kids, there’s a fair with rides and games open all day. Coco Lorraine is performing at 1 and 4 p.m. and kids can give the steel pan drums a try.

Did we mention the food? The Caribbean Food Zone will offer up dishes such as jerk chicken, curried shrimp, roti and doubles. And to ensure everyone can feast at the fest, there will be vegetarian and vegan dishes as well.

Admission is $7 for adults and $2 for those ages four to 15. The Greenwood Conservation Area is on Greenwood Road, just west of Westney and north of Taunton. For more information visit www.durhamcaribbeanfestival.com, until then unwind with a bit of the David Gang Band….Happy Friday!